Press Releases29 Mar 04

Archbishop Eames speaks of the tragic death of John McCall

ARCHBISHOP EAMES SPEAKS OF THE TRAGIC DEATH OF JOHN McCALL

As Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Royal School, Armagh, Archbishop Robin Eames met with staff on Sunday afternoon and today addressed the school at special Assemblies.

Dr Eames spoke of John McCall as ?a young man of immense gifts and promise who was an inspiration to the whole school family. Apart from his promising rugby career he was planning to study architecture at Queen?s. His warm personality and great sense of humour will long be remembered by the school as we continue to honour his memory. His tragic death has affected us all and our deepest sympathy is expressed to his parents Ian and Carolyn and his brother and sister James and Rebecca.?

18 year old John, who led his school, Royal Armagh, to victory in the Ulster Schools' Cup final over Campbell College on St Patrick's Day, collapsed midway through the first half at Durban's ABSA Stadium during the Under-19 Rugby World Cup competition in South Africa on Saturday, and was pronounced dead several hours later.